Here Comes the Judge

James 4:11–17

Introduction: I am old enough to remember a funk song popularized in1968 by comedian Dewey “Pigmeat” Markham through his comedy sketches and a funk song of the same name, often cited as an early influence on hip hop.

Key details:

• Pigmeat Markham: Used the phrase in his burlesque/vaudeville routines before releasing his 1968 hit single.
• Shorty Long: Released a competing version, “Here Comes the Judge,” in 1968 on Motown Records.
• Cultural Impact: The phrase became a catchphrase on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In. 
• “Here Comes the Judge” was popularised in 1968 by comedian Dewey “Pigmeat” Markham through his comedy sketches and a funk song of the same name, often cited as an early influence on hip hop. Singer Shorty Long also released a popular, different song with the same title in May 1968.

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Predominant Theme of Section: Pride Puts Us in God’s Place

James 4:11–17 — Humility Before God and Others

This passage confronts pride in two main areas:

how we treat people and how we approach the future.

James ends by reminding us that failing to respond rightly is sin.

1. Pride in How We Speak About Others (vv. 11–12)

Question: How can we know that James is referring to ‘Pride’ as the culprit of the following actions?

We know James is addressing pride because of the context, vocabulary, and flow of his argument — especially in James 4.
Let’s walk through it carefully.

Immediate Context

Right before the passage about judging (4:11–12), James says:

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)
That’s not random. It sets the tone for the whole section.
He then calls them to:

• Submit to God
• Resist the devil
• Cleanse their hands
• Humble themselves
• The entire section (4:1–12) is about self-exalting attitudes causing conflict.

James commands believers not to speak evil against one another. Slander and harsh judgment violate the “law of love”).

• When we condemn others arrogantly:
• We act as though we sit above God’s law.
• We place ourselves in the role of judge.
• We forget there is only one Lawgiver and Judge — God.

The issue isn’t biblical discernment.

The issue is self-righteous superiority.

Key truth: God alone has final authority over people.

1. Pride in How We View the Future (vv. 13–16)

James then addresses confident planners who say,

“Today or tomorrow, we will go… trade… make a profit.”

James then addresses confident planners who say,

“Today or tomorrow, we will go… trade… make a profit.”e problem. Presumption is.

The Bible does not forbid honest evaluation. It forbids self-righteous condemnation.

There is a major difference between:

• ❌ Condemning judgment
• ✅ Humble discernment / honest evaluation

They assume:

• They control time.
• They control outcomes.
• Success is guaranteed.

James reminds them:

• Life is a mist — temporary and fragile (v. 14).
• The proper posture is, “If the Lord wills…” (v. 15).
• Boasting about self-sufficient plans is evil (v. 16).

Key truth: God alone controls tomorrow.

1. The Final Warning — Sin of Omission (v. 17)
4. Question? What is the ‘sin of omission’?

Is a moral or ethical failure that happens when someone fails to do something they should have done.

Simple Definition: A sin of omission is wrongdoing by neglecting to act when action is required.

Examples:

• Seeing someone in danger and refusing to help when you safely could.
• Not telling the truth when you have a responsibility to speak up.
• Failing to care for someone you are responsible for.
• Ignoring injustice when you have the ability to intervene.

In Christian theology (since you’re in ministry context):

The idea is often tied to James 4:17:

“If anyone knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin.”

This ties everything together. If you:

• Know you shouldn’t slander but do nothing to change,
• Know you should depend on God but live self-sufficiently.
• Know humility is required but cling to pride—
• That failure is sin.

Not just wrong actions — but neglected obedience.

The Unifying Theme – In every section, pride tries to replace God:

• Judging people as if we are the final authority.
• Planning life as if we control the future.
• Ignoring what we know we should do.
• Humility recognizes:
• God is Judge.
• God is Sovereign.
• We are dependent.
• Obedience matters.

Conclusion: Big Idea of 4:11–17

Stop trying to take God’s place.

Live humbly before Him — in your words, your plans, and your obedience.